Russia says Assad asylum decision will not be reconsidered

Russia will not reconsider its decision to grant political asylum to former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko told RTVI on October 14.

Borisenko said asylum had been granted on humanitarian grounds. He also said the current authorities in Damascus understood that Russia’s position would not change. That represents Moscow’s account rather than a separate statement from Syrian leaders.

He described relations with Syria’s new authorities as positive, citing President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s two visits to Moscow and continuing foreign-minister contacts.

Economic cooperation was lagging behind political dialogue, he said. He expressed hope that it would accelerate as the new Syrian leadership completed its assessment of the economy.

His reported remarks did not announce a new asylum decision or an agreed extradition procedure.